We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses we received. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their unique and inspiring American stories.
Fast and furious, this American tradition features tiny tots riding woolly wonder beasts.
Jamie Poindexter’s drumline is bringing together a tough neighborhood with a joyful beat.
A barista gives a kidney to a complete stranger, giving her the ultimate pick-me-up.
Raised by migrant farm workers, Jose Hernandez used hard work and a big heart to reach the stars.
Monica Haslip’s afterschool program is creating artists and serious entrepreneurs.
Michael Reagan and his Fallen Heroes Project provides closure for the families left behind.
This shoe shine man is changing the world through his Clean Water Foundation.
Through hard work and perseverance, Mila Apostol created the little store that could.
A refugee survivor, Derreck Kayongo is saving the world, one bar of soap at a time.
Some call air guitar part perf. art, pro wrestling and rock’n’roll. Whatever it is, it sure is fun!
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.
Aaron Dworkin brings classical music to the inner city, and opens up a world of possibilities.
An Iraq War veteran, James talks about surviving a suicide attack and serving our country.
She talks about coming over from Italy as a child and the chances America has given her.
She’s following in grandfather’s footsteps, paying it forward, and living up to her good name.
Her parents left Albania so she could grow up with the freedom to live out her “American Dream.”
A 1st grade teacher talks about teaching the Pledge of Allegiance to her students.
She raised nine children and talks about overcoming adversity and following your dreams.
As devoted parents, they provided a safe and loving environment for over 40 foster babies.
She shares her ancestors’ sacrifices and struggles for the freedoms we enjoy in America.
Inspired by wounded soldiers, he’s in med school training to become a doctor in the U.S. Army.
Julie Smith & Joyce Hogan have served our nation through their husbands’ military service.
They adopted two children from Russia and share how the experience changed their lives.
Vietnam Vet who talks about how service changed his life and his feeling for this country.
He compares football to unity and talks about the importance of America coming together.
She’s a 3rd generation American who talks of fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers.
A Vietnam Vet, Anthony talks about surviving a vicious attack, and the costs of freedom.
The couple talks about raising their kids and the freedoms we cherish in this country.
A teacher who credits her ancestors for giving us the freedoms we share in this country.
A Cuban American who talks about how her father risked his life to bring his family here.
Married for 52 years, they talk about growing up and raising a family in a small town.
He came from India to become an engineer and is currently applying for U.S. citizenship.
The award winning country music group talks about performing for the troops in Iraq.
Thanks, James and may God bless you and yours. I lost a friend and former team mate (5th Special Forces Group) in the Mosul bombing (SGM Bobby “Odie” Odell). Keep up the fight.
Thank you James.
God Bless. Gary O…
A random series of events has led to me leaving this message. I’m a Brit abroad and in China presently – temporarily with work; fox news is on the back ground – which I never usually watch but it’s one of the only English channels in the hotel. My attention was drawn to the T.V when your story came on. I listened with great interest to your eloquent summation, of your motivation to go to and experience of war. I found your account of life at the front line moving and I feel humbled by your frankness. You and your comrades are courageous and are representing worthy and precious ideals, be proud always. You are an inspiration.
Your a brave man…Thanks for everything you’ve done for us….god bless you…
Thank you for your service and your inspiring story. Why aren’t you our President?
Thank you James for your courage and bravery! God Bless you for your willingness to serve and defend this country against the enemies of freedom.
You are right, this country is still the “best bet”!
it’s the the greatest nation on God’s green earth (flaws and all).
God Bless you and your family.
God bless you and all you have done for our country! Thanks for keeping us safe.
i came from Guatemala about 20 years ago and ever since i got here to this great country i now considered my own. im in loved with it, sure its not perfect but compared to my birth country and other countries the United States is perfect. thankyou james martinez for keeping our country saved from harm god bless you and your family. and i hope america never forgets god and our brave heroes like you and everyone in our arm services.
James, thank you for your sacrifice. It is people like you who truly make this country great!
James, you and others like you are what make this nation great! I am a veteran as was my father, his brothers, my grampa and grand father. I am also a father of 5 and I know that their time to serve, should they choose to do so, is approaching fast. Freedom is not free, it comes with great sacrifice and thankfully you are blessed to survived your brush with death. I pray for you that are serving frequently and take the time to thank soldiers that I see around town.
God Bless you and your family. Stay alert, be vigilant, and do what you need to to make it home every time. You truly are a great American!
Thanks James for being so upbeat.
I am proud to say I have known your wife for many years, and hence feel I know you. We were working together while you were in Iraq and i rememer the day of the suicide bombing at your base. You have a beautiful relationship which was doubley blessed with your safe return and the birth of your son. Hugs and kisses to you both. J.
Thank you for your service and for keeping us safe. God bless you and your family.
Thank You James, For standing up when you were needed. I pray God will bless you and your family.
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
Our nation is strong because of people like you, James. THANK YOU!
God bless you and your family, thank you for your service to keep us all safe.
thank you james and all our military and police for keeping america safe and protecting us. God bless u all, god bless america!